Collapsible two seat perambulator

ABSTRACT

A buggy for transporting children has a frame ( 3   a,    3   b,    5 ) and wheels ( 9 ) that are rotatably mounted relative to the frame to support the frame above a ground surface. A primary seat ( 8 ) is operatively supported by the frame for supporting a first child. A secondary seat ( 17 ) is operatively supported by the frame for supporting a second child. The buggy is convertible between an in use configuration for transporting children and a folded storage configuration, whether or not the secondary seat is attached. The secondary seat may be detachable. The secondary seat may be positioned at least partly behind and at least partly below the primary seat.

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/180,158, filed Feb. 13, 2014, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/074,515, filed Nov. 7, 2013 (U.S. Pat. No.8,708,364), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/735,977 (U.S. Pat. No. 8,702,118), filed Jan. 7, 2013, which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/595,733 (U.S. Pat.No. 8,371,606), filed Apr. 14, 2010, which is a 371 national phaseapplication of PCT/NZ2007/000264, filed Sep. 7, 2007, which claimspriority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/923,318, filedApr. 13, 2007, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a child's buggy for transporting a baby ortoddler. In particular, the invention relates to a child's buggysuitable for concurrently transporting two children.

BACKGROUND

Conventionally, babies and toddlers have been transported in a buggy.Conventional buggies are suitable for transporting only a single child.If parents have another child when the earlier child is still at thetoddler stage, it is generally necessary to purchase a new buggy that issuitable for transporting two children. Some of those two child buggiesare “baby train” types having two full size fixed in-line seats. Othersare twin configurations having two full sized fixed side-by-side seats.Both types are large vehicles that are not very manoeuvrable.Additionally, those vehicles have fixed seats. That is, while the seatscould perhaps be removed from their frames, that would be a timeconsuming and complex action requiring the use of tools. It is notintended for the seats to be removed from the frames in normal use.

Another issue is that it is generally desirable that a buggy has acompact collapsed storage configuration, so it can be readilytransported when not in use. Some “baby train” buggies can fold, but dueto their fixed seat configuration they still take up a large amount ofspace when folded. That is also an issue with the existing side-by-sidebuggies.

An alternative configuration two seat buggy is sold by Phil and TedsMost Excellent Buggy Company Limited of Wellington, New Zealand, as theSport buggy. The Sport buggy has a fixed primary front seat and adetachable secondary rear seat. The buggy can also be folded forstorage. However, the buggy cannot be folded for storage when thesecondary rear seat is attached. With that buggy, extra actions arerequired to remove the secondary rear seat prior to folding the buggy.It is then necessary to reattach the secondary rear seat after unfoldingthe buggy if a second child is to be transported in the buggy.

In this specification where reference has been made to patentspecifications, other external documents, or other sources ofinformation, this is generally for the purpose of providing a contextfor discussing the features of the invention. Unless specifically statedotherwise, reference to such external documents or such sources ofinformation is not to be construed as an admission that such documentsor such sources of information, in any jurisdiction, are prior art orform part of the common general knowledge in the art.

It is an object of at least preferred embodiments of the presentinvention to provide a buggy for transporting children that provides acompact collapsed configuration with two seats without detaching thesecondary seat, and/or to at least provide the public with a usefulalternative.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The term ‘comprising’ as used in this specification and claims means‘consisting at least in part of’, that is to say when interpretingstatements in this specification and claims which include that term, thefeatures, prefaced by that term in each statement, all need to bepresent but other features can also be present. The terms “comprise”,“comprises”, and “comprised” should be interpreted in the same way.

In a first aspect, the invention broadly consists in a buggy fortransporting children, comprising:

-   -   a frame;    -   a plurality of wheels that are rotatably mounted relative to the        frame to support the frame above a ground surface and which        enable the buggy to be moved along the ground surface;    -   a primary seat operatively supported by the frame for supporting        a first child;    -   a readily attachable and detachable secondary seat for        supporting a second child;    -   wherein the buggy has an in use configuration for transporting        children and a collapsed storage configuration, and is        convertible between the in use configuration and the storage        configuration whether or not the secondary seat is attached.

As used herein, “readily attachable and detachable” means that the seatcan be attached and detached without the use of tools. The attachmentcould be any suitable form, such as a quick release mechanism, clips,clamps, or sleeves that receive portions of the frame for example.

The primary seat may be permanently attached, detachable, or readilyattachable and detachable.

The secondary seat is preferably readily attachable to the frame in afirst position at least partly behind and at least partly below theprimary seat. The buggy is preferably convertible between the in useconfiguration and the storage configuration whether or not the secondaryseat is attached in the first position.

The secondary seat is preferably readily attachable to the frame in asecond position at least partly above and at least partly in front ofthe primary seat. The buggy is preferably convertible between the in useconfiguration and the storage configuration whether or not the secondaryseat is attached in the second position.

The buggy may be configured such that when the secondary seat is in thefirst position at least partly behind and at least partly below theprimary seat, and the buggy is moved from the in use configuration tothe collapsed storage configuration, at least part of the primary seatmust move, at least to some extent, to enable the buggy to collapse. Theconfiguration may be such that said at least part of the primary seat ismanually moved to enable the buggy to collapse. However, it is preferredthat said at least part of the primary seat moves automatically as aresult of the secondary seat movement.

The secondary seat may have a secondary seat frame that pushes againstthe primary seat during the collapsing, causing the movement of at leastpart of the primary seat. The secondary seat frame may have a curvedconfiguration to provide a smooth surface that engages the primary seatduring the collapsing. Alternatively, the secondary seat itself may pushagainst the primary seat.

At least part of the primary seat may be invertible to provide clearancefor the secondary seat. Alternatively, the primary seat could besupported by an arrangement that enables the primary seat to move out ofthe way as the buggy is collapsed, such as hinges or pivots for example.

It is preferred that the secondary seat is smaller than the primaryseat.

The secondary seat may be pivotally supported by the frame, eitherdirectly or via a secondary seat frame. The buggy may be configured suchthat the secondary seat is selectively pivotable from an in use positionto a storage position, without collapsing the remainder of the buggy.Preferably, following the movement of the secondary seat to the storageposition, the remainder of the buggy can then be collapsed around thesecondary seat.

The primary seat may be convertible from a sitting configuration forsupporting a toddler to a lying configuration for supporting a baby.This, and the option of two attachment positions for the secondary seat,enables the preferred embodiment buggy to “grow” with a family. Forexample, the buggy can support a newborn or baby in the primary seat inits lying configuration. As the child grows into a toddler, the primaryseat can be used in its sitting configuration to support the toddler. Ifa family then has another baby, the baby can be supported in the primaryseat in its lying configuration, and the toddler can be supported in thesecondary seat in the second attached position at least partly above andat least partly in front of the primary seat. Once both children reachthe toddler stage, the larger child can be supported in the primary seatin its sitting configuration, and the smaller child can be supported inthe secondary seat in the first attached position at least partly behindand at least partly below the primary seat.

The primary seat may be permanently attached, detachable, or readilyattachable and detachable.

In a second aspect, the invention broadly consists in a buggy fortransporting children, comprising:

-   -   a frame;    -   a plurality of wheels that are rotatably mounted relative to the        frame to support the frame above a ground surface and which        enable the buggy to be moved along the ground surface;    -   a primary seat operatively supported by the frame for supporting        a first child;    -   a secondary seat operatively supported by the frame for        supporting a second child and that is positioned at least partly        behind and at least partly below the primary seat;    -   wherein the buggy is convertible between an in use configuration        for transporting children and a folded storage configuration,        without removing the secondary seat.

The secondary seat may be permanently attached, detachable, or readilyattachable and detachable.

Preferably, the secondary seat is readily attachable to the frame in asecond position at least partly above and at least partly in front ofthe primary seat. The buggy is preferably convertible between the in useconfiguration and the storage configuration whether or not the secondaryseat is attached in the second position.

The buggy may be configured such that when the secondary seat ispositioned at least partly behind and at least partly below the primaryseat, and the buggy is moved from the in use configuration to thecollapsed storage configuration, at least part of the primary seat mustmove, at least to some extent, to enable the buggy to collapse. Theconfiguration may be such that said at least part of the primary seat ismanually moved to enable the buggy to collapse. However, it is preferredthat said at least part of the primary seat moves automatically as aresult of the secondary seat movement.

The secondary seat may have a secondary seat frame that pushes againstthe primary seat during the collapsing, causing the movement of at leastpart of the primary seat. The secondary seat frame may have a curvedconfiguration to provide a smooth surface that engages the primary seatduring the collapsing. Alternatively, the secondary seat itself may pushagainst the primary seat.

At least part of the primary seat may be invertible to provide clearancefor the secondary seat. Alternatively, the primary seat could besupported by an arrangement that enables the primary seat to move out ofthe way as the buggy is collapsed, such as hinges or pivots for example.

It is preferred that the secondary seat is smaller than the primaryseat.

The secondary seat may be pivotally supported by the frame, eitherdirectly or via a secondary seat frame. The buggy may be configured suchthat the secondary seat is selectively pivotable from an in use positionto a storage position, without collapsing the remainder of the buggy.Preferably, following the movement of the secondary seat to the storageposition, the remainder of the buggy can then be collapsed around thesecondary seat.

The primary seat may be convertible from a sitting configuration forsupporting a toddler to a lying configuration for supporting a baby.

Where specific integers are mentioned herein which have knownequivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such knownequivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually setforth.

The invention consists in the foregoing and also envisages constructionsof which the following gives examples only.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred forms of the present invention will now be described by way ofexample only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a preferred form buggy with asecondary seat frame attached in a first position and the buggy in an inuse configuration;

FIG. 2 a is a front overhead perspective view of the buggy of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2 b is a front overhead perspective view from a slightly differentangle than FIG. 2 a, and with the hood support removed;

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the buggy of FIG. 1 with thesecondary seat frame being moved from an in use position toward astorage position;

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the buggy of FIG. 1 with thesecondary seat frame in the storage position;

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the buggy of FIG. 1 in the collapsedstorage configuration;

FIG. 6 is a front overhead perspective view of the buggy in thecollapsed storage configuration;

FIG. 7 is a front overhead perspective view of the buggy of FIG. 1 withthe secondary seat frame attached in a second position;

FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of the buggy of FIG. 1, but with theprimary seat inverted to make way for movement of the secondary seat;

FIG. 9 is a side view of the buggy of FIG. 8, but with the secondaryseat pivoted forward and upward under the primary seat;

FIG. 10 is a side view of the buggy of FIG. 8, but with the primary seatframe section partly folded around the secondary seat;

FIG. 11 is a side view of the buggy of FIG. 8, in the fully collapsedconfiguration; and

FIGS. 12 a to 12 d schematically show the various support positions forchildren in the preferred embodiment buggy, showing how the buggy can“grow” with a family.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 2 b, a preferred embodiment buggy fortransporting a baby or toddler as indicated by reference numeral 1 andis shown in an in use configuration. The buggy has a frame having aprimary seat frame section 3 and a wheel support section 5. The primaryseat frame section 3 has a forward lower section 3 a and an intermediatesection 3 b. The lower section 3 a comprises two spaced apart membersthat taper toward and interconnect with each other at their forward endsto form a nose region 3′. The lower section 3 a is articulated relativeto the intermediate section 3 b via couplings 4 that will be describedin further detail below. The intermediate section 3 b has members thatare generally parallel and extend upwardly and rearwardly from thecouplings 4. The upper rearward section 3 c of the primary seat framesection 3 frame forms a handle to enable a user to push or pull thebuggy.

The handle 3 c is articulated relative to the intermediate section 3 bvia couplings 6. The couplings 6 enable the handle to be selectivelytilted relative to the intermediate section 3 b, to obtain a comfortableposition for the user. The couplings 6 may have a frictional mechanismthat enables the handle to be tilted and to then maintain a tiltedconfiguration. Rather than having a single handle, two spaced aparthandles could be provided.

The primary seat frame section 3 operatively supports a primary seat forsupporting a first child. The primary seat will generally be formed of aflexible material such as a woven or non-woven fabric, canvas, orpolymeric membrane for example. In most of the figures, the primary andsecondary seats are not shown so the movement of the frame can bereadily determined. However, FIGS. 8-11 show the collapsing of the buggyincluding the primary seat 17 a and the secondary seat 8. The primaryseat is coupled to the frame members of the forward section 3 a andintermediate section 3 b by any suitable means. For example, fastenerssuch as screws, clips, or snap domes could be used to attach the primaryseat to the primary seat frame section 3. Alternatively, the seat couldbe formed with sleeves that surround and capture the frame members. Asanother alternative, part of the seat could be received in slots in theframe members. Any other suitable means could be provided.

The wheel support section 5 of the frame has a pair of forward struts 5a that are articulated relative to the frame members of the forwardframe section 3 a and extend downwardly and rearwardly therefrom. A pairof rearward struts 5 b are articulated relative to the frame members ofthe intermediate frame section 3 b and extend downwardly and rearwardlytherefrom. The articulation could be via hinges or pivots for example.The struts 5 a, 5 b on each side of the frame converge towards eachother distal from the primary seat frame section 3. On each side of theframe, the struts are connected to a wheel support arrangement 11. Theconnection to the wheel support arrangement enables the struts toarticulate relative to one another. Each wheel support arrangement 11rotatably supports a rear wheel 9. The pair of rear wheels support theframe above the ground. A cross bar 7 extends between the two rearstruts 5 b toward the lower end thereof.

A front wheel 9 is rotatably supported from the nose 3′ of the frame viaa front strut 13 to support the frame above the ground. The wheels arepreferably provided with pneumatic tyres to provide some “all terrain”capability for the buggy. In the preferred form shown, the front strut13 is rotatable about a generally vertical axis, so that the front wheelcan change direction relative to the frame to enhance manoeuvrability ofthe buggy. The strut is provided with an adjuster 15. The adjusterprovides a tension adjustment of the front strut 13. Movement of theadjuster alters the amount of force required to rotate the strut 13about the generally vertical axis. At one extreme of the adjuster, thereis very little, if any, tension against the rotation. At the otherextreme, rotation of the front strut may be prevented to provide a fixedfront wheel orientation which may be preferred by some users. Althoughnot shown in any detail, the front strut will generally have a shaftextending upwardly therefrom that is received in the sleeve in the nosesection of the frame. The adjuster 15 will be threaded into the sleeveand will engage against the shaft to control the tension.

The buggy is provided with a hood support 16 for a hood that providessome level of cover for a toddler or baby in the primary seat. The hoodsupport is preferably angularly adjustable as shown, and may be fullydetachable.

As can be seen most clearly from FIGS. 1 and 2 b, the buggy also has asecondary seat frame 17 for supporting a secondary seat. The secondaryseat enables the buggy to be used to transport a second child. In theembodiment shown, the secondary seat frame is readily attachable to anddetachable from the frame 3, 5 without the use of tools. The secondaryseat frame 17 has a generally inverted “U” configuration. The secondaryseat will generally be smaller than the primary seat.

As can be seen most clearly in FIG. 7, each forward strut 5 a of thewheel support section is provided with an inwardly directed spigot 19toward a lower end thereof. A lower end of each side of the secondaryseat frame 17 contains a complementary recess for receipt of the spigot19. The spigot 19 may be configured to snap fit into the respectiverecess 20. Alternatively, the spigot may be a relatively loose fit. Thespigot may be biased into a projecting position.

Reverting to FIG. 2 b, each side of the secondary seat frame 17 isprovided with a cross bar coupling 21. The cross bar couplings eachcomprise a first recess 21 a that receives the secondary seat frame 17.The cross bar coupling 21 additionally has a transversely orientedrecess 21 b for receiving the cross bar. The secondary seat frame 17 isrigidly supported between the forward struts 5 a and the cross barextending between the rearward struts 5 b. The cross bar couplings 21provide a pivoting connection between the secondary seat frame 17 andthe cross bar/rearward struts; however, the pivoting is prevented whenthe spigots 19 are received in the recesses 20. This mechanism resultsin the secondary seat frame being operatively supported by the primaryseat frame, which in turn is supported above a ground surface by thewheels.

The secondary seat frame preferably has some resilience and thetransversely oriented recesses 21 b may be slidable on the cross bar, sothe sides of the secondary seat frame can be compressed towards oneanother by a user. As that occurs, the recesses 20 will clear thespigots 19, enabling the secondary seat frame to be pivoted upwardly andforwardly relative to the cross bar and rearward struts. Alternatively,if the spigots are biased, providing sufficient upward force to thesecondary seat frame 17 will cause the recesses to clear the spigots, sothe secondary seat frame can be pivoted upward and forward.

As a further alternative, one or more actuators may be provided in aposition that is readily accessible by a user standing or crouchingbehind the buggy, to release the spigots from the recesses. For example,there may be an actuator on the outside of each strut 5 a, configuredsuch that as the actuators are pulled outwardly, the spigots clear therecesses.

Any other suitable means could be used for attaching the secondary seatframe to the buggy.

The secondary seat can be mounted to the secondary seat frame 17 by anyof the means described above for the primary seat, or by any othersuitable means.

It is desirable that the buggy is convertible between the in useconfiguration shown in FIGS. 1 to 2 b and a collapsed or folded storageconfiguration shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The buggy is designed such that itis convertible between the in use configuration and the storageconfiguration whether or not the secondary seat is attached.

The steps for collapsing the frame are shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, andincluding the material of the seats in FIGS. 8 to 11. The secondary seatframe is caused to disengage from the spigots 19. Once the spigots 19are disengaged from the recesses 20, the secondary seat frame 17 can bepivoted upward and forward about the cross bar as shown in FIG. 3 untilit is in a position generally parallel with the rearward struts 5 b asshown in FIGS. 4 and 9.

In the embodiment shown, the primary seat is inverted to the positionshown in FIG. 8 before the secondary seat is pivoted upward and forwardto the position shown in FIGS. 4 and 9. It will be appreciated that innormal use, the primary seat will generally hang below the primary seatframe section 3 a, 3 b.

The couplings 4 can then be released to enable articulation betweenframe sections 3 a and 3 b. The couplings 4 comprise quick releaselevers 4 a which provide selective locking and releasing of thecoupling. Each coupling 4 comprises a first portion 4 b that is fixedrelative to one of the frame sections 3 a or 3 b, and a second portion 4c that is fixed relative to the other of the frame sections 3 a or 3 b.The two coupling portions 4 b, 4 c have a locking means that preventsrelative rotation between those portions and thereby articulationbetween frame sections 3 a and 3 b when the quick release lever 4 a isin the position shown in FIG. 2 b. For example, the opposed faces of thecoupling portions 4 b, 4 c may have one or more complementaryprojections and recesses. A biasing means such as a coil spring forexample, biases the opposed faces of the coupling portions 4 b, 4 c awayfrom one another so that the projection(s) and recess(es) are notengaged. However, the leverage from the locked quick release lever 4 a;which acts as a cam; will bring the projection(s) and recess(es) intoengagement with each other to prevent relative rotation between thecoupling portions 4 b, 4 c. When the frame is to be folded, each quickrelease lever 4 a is moved outwardly, which enables the spring bias toseparate the projection(s) and recess(es). That enables relativerotation to occur between the portions 4 b, 4 c and thereby articulationof the frame section 3 a relative to frame section 3 b.

Once the secondary seat frame 17 has been pivoted to the position shownin FIGS. 4 and 9, the quick release levers 4 a are released. The upperframe section 3 b is provided with a pull bar 23. By pulling the pullbar 23 upwardly, the couplings 4 move upwardly generally in thedirection indicated by arrow U. The articulated connection of theforward and rearward struts 5 a, 5 b relative to the respective primaryseat frame sections 3 a, 3 b, and the articulation between the struts 5a and 5 b, causes the struts 5 a, 5 b to move towards one another oneach side of the buggy. The handle end of the intermediate frame section3 b and the nose end of the forward frame section 3 a move downwardlyrelative to the couplings 4, so that the frame is converted into thestorage configuration shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 11. In thatconfiguration, the buggy is fully collapsed such that the upper framesections 3 a, 3 b, and forward and rearward struts 5 a, 5 b are adjacentand generally parallel to one another. The secondary seat frame 17 ispositioned generally within the members 3 a, 3 b, 5 a, 5 b, and thesecondary seat is positioned generally within the primary seat as shownin FIG. 11. The quick release levers 4 a can then be moved inwardly tothe lock the couplings 4, to prevent unwanted expansion of the framefrom the collapsed storage configuration.

The buggy may be provided with a mechanism that necessitates a doubleaction to be undertaken to release the frame from the position shown inFIG. 4. By way of example only, at least one of the couplings 4 may havean externally mounted latch that engages another part of the coupling.To collapse the frame, both couplings must be released, and the latchmust also be released.

To convert the frame from the collapsed storage configuration back tothe in use configuration, the process is reversed. That is, the quickrelease handles 4 a are moved outwardly to release the couplings 4 toenable rotation between the coupling portions 4 a, 4 b. The primary seatframe section 3 can then be extended to the position shown in FIG. 4,and the quick release levers 4 a engaged to prevent unwanted movement ofthe primary seat frame section. The secondary seat frame 17 can then bepivoted downward and rearward until it is in the position shown in FIG.2 a, and then the secondary seat frame is caused to engage with thespigots 19.

It will be appreciated that the above actions can occur whether or notthe secondary seat is attached. During movement of the secondary seatframe, at least part of the primary seat must move, at least to someextent, to enable the frame to collapse. In one configuration, said atleast part of the primary seat may be manually moved. However, it ispreferred that said at least part of the primary seat movesautomatically as a result of the secondary seat moving.

In the embodiments shown, at least part of the primary seat isinvertible to provide clearance for the secondary seat frame 17. Theentire primary seat may be invertible. As the secondary seat frame ispivoted upward and forward, the frame 17 may push against the primaryseat causing the movement of said at least part of the primary seat. Theupper end of the frame 17 a has a somewhat curved configuration toprovide a smooth surface that engages the primary seat causing it tomove.

Other alternative configurations could be used. For example, the primaryseat may be supported by an arrangement that enables the primary seat tomove out of the way as the buggy is collapsed, such as hinges, pivots,or the like for example.

In the embodiment shown, the secondary seat is selectively pivotablefrom an in use position to a storage position, without collapsing theremainder of the frame. The remainder of the frame, and the primaryseat, can then be collapsed or folded around the secondary seat frameand secondary seat. It will be appreciated, however, that the quickrelease levers 4 a could be released prior to or during the movement ofthe secondary seat frame 17, to enable the secondary seat and theremainder of the frame to be collapsed in a more flowing action.

FIGS. 1 to 6 show the secondary seat frame 17 attached to the frame inthe first position at least partly behind and at least partly below theprimary seat.

In the preferred form, the secondary seat frame is readily detachablefrom the first position shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, and is readily attachablein a second position shown in FIG. 7 in which the secondary seat is in asecond position at least partly above and at least partly in front ofthe primary seat. To detach the secondary seat from the first position,the secondary seat frame 17 is released from engagement with thespigots. The cross bar couplings 21 are releasable from engagement withthe cross bar 7 and/or the secondary seat frame 17. The secondary seatcan then be attached in the second position. In that configuration, thepull bar 23 has been removed, and the pull bar couplings 23 a are usedto couple the secondary seat frame 17 to the intermediate section 3 b ofthe primary seat frame 3. The frame can be collapsed in the mannerdescribed above whether or not the secondary seat frame is in the secondposition shown in FIG. 7.

It will be appreciated that the secondary seat frame, and thereby thesecondary seat, can be supported in the second position by means otherthan the pull bar couplings.

The primary seat is preferably convertible from a sitting configurationfor supporting a toddler to a lying configuration for supporting a baby.That, and the option of two attachment positions for the secondary seat,enables the preferred form buggy to “grow” with the family. That isshown schematically in FIG. 12 a-12 d.

FIG. 12 a shows the buggy in the configuration in which the primary seatis in a lying configuration for supporting a newborn or baby. Theadjustment of the primary seat from the sitting to lying configurationcan occur by adjusting zips, clips, straps, or any other suitable meansthat enables the portion of the primary seat that forms a back supportin the sitting configuration to move toward horizontal to support thechild in a lying configuration. Intermediate positions between fullysitting and fully lying may be provided.

As the child grows into a toddler, the primary seat can be used in thesitting configuration to support the back of the toddler in a moreupright position. This is shown in FIG. 12 b.

If a family then has another baby, the baby can be supported in theprimary seat in its lying configuration as shown in FIG. 12 c, with thetoddler supported in the secondary seat in the second attached positionat least partly above and at least partly in front of the primary seat.It can be seen that the secondary seat is at least partly in front ofthe section of the primary seat 8 that will support the lying baby. Whenboth children reach the toddler stage, the larger child can be supportedin the primary seat in its sitting configuration, and the smaller childcan be supported in the secondary seat in the first attached position atleast partly behind and at least partly below the primary seat, as shownin FIG. 12 d.

The above describes preferred embodiments of the present invention, andmodifications can be made thereto without departing from the scope ofthe invention.

For example, while the secondary seat is described as being readilyattachable to and detachable from the frame, that is not essential.Alternatively, the buggy could be provided in the dual in-lineconfiguration having a fixed primary seat for supporting the firstchild, and a fixed secondary seat for supporting the second child andthat is positioned at least partly behind and at least partly below theprimary seat. The secondary seat will be attached in a manner such asthat described above that allows the buggy to be collapsed. Thesecondary seat will generally be smaller than the primary seat.

Additionally, the buggy is described as a three wheel buggy. Rather thanhaving a single front wheel, dual front wheels could be provided in someconfigurations.

Various couplings are shown by way of example only, and differentcouplings or attachment means could be used while still providing thedesired functionality. For example, the handle 3 c couplings 6 aredescribed as being frictional mechanism to enable tilting of the handle3 c to selected positions relative to the intermediate frame section 3b. Alternatively, the handle could be fixed relative to the frame, orlocking couplings of the type described for the frame couplings 4 couldbe used.

Similarly, rather than using fully locking frame couplings between theintermediate 3 b and forward 3 a frame sections, the frame couplings 4could use a frictional mechanism.

Rather than having a seat configuration that has a seat frame and afabric, membrane, or the like mounted to the frame, at least one of theseats may be a more rigid material such as a polymeric material. If theprimary seat is a more rigid material, the seat will need to pivot orhinge out of the way of the secondary seat as the secondary seat ismoved.

While the preferred embodiment buggy is shown as an “all terrain” typeof buggy that is suitable for some off road use, it will be appreciatedthat the invention can be applied to any suitable type of pushingvehicle for transporting children. Therefore, the term “buggy” as usedin this specification and claims should be interpreted to cover otheralternative pushing vehicles, such as strollers, push chairs, and thelike.

The primary seat may be permanently attached, detachable, or readilyattachable and detachable.

Other possible modifications are listed in the “Summary of theInvention” section.

The preferred form buggy can readily transport two children, yetprovides a compact collapsed configuration with two seats withoutdetaching the secondary seat.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A buggy for transporting children,comprising: a frame comprising a primary seat frame for supporting aprimary seat; a plurality of wheels that are rotatably mounted relativeto the frame to support the frame about a ground surface and whichenable the buggy to be moved along the ground surface; a forward-facingprimary seat having a seat portion and a back portion and operativelysupported by the frame for supporting a first child; a forward-facingsecondary seat having a seat portion and a back portion and operativelysupported by the frame for supporting a second child, wherein the seatportion of the secondary seat is positioned generally behind andgenerally lower than the seat portion of the primary seat; wherein thebuggy is convertible between an in use configuration for transportingchildren and a folded storage configuration, without removing thesecondary seat, and wherein the primary seat and the secondary seat atleast partially nest when in the folded storage configuration; whereinthe buggy is configured such that the secondary seat is selectivelymovable from an in use position to a folded storage position withoutfolding the remainder of the buggy; and wherein, following the movementof the secondary seat to the folded storage position, the remainder ofthe buggy can then be folded around the secondary seat.
 2. The buggy asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the secondary seat is detachable from theframe.
 3. The buggy as claimed in claim 2, wherein the secondary seat isreadily attachable and detachable from the frame.
 4. The buggy asclaimed in claim 2, wherein the secondary seat is attachable to theframe in a second position at least partially above and at leastpartially in front of the primary seat.
 5. The buggy as claimed in claim4, wherein the buggy is convertible between the in use configuration andthe folded storage configuration whether or not the secondary seat isattached in the second position.
 6. The buggy as claimed in claim 1,wherein the buggy is configured such that when the secondary seat ispositioned at least partially behind and at least partially below theprimary seat, and the buggy is moved from the in use configuration tothe collapsed folded storage configuration, at least part of the primaryseat must move, at least to some extent, to enable the buggy tocollapse.
 7. The buggy as claimed in claim 6, wherein the secondary seathas a secondary seat frame that pushes against the primary seat duringthe folding, causing the movement of at least part of the primary seat.8. The buggy as claimed in claim 7 wherein the secondary seat frame hasa curved configuration to provide a smooth surface that engages theprimary seat during the folding.
 9. The buggy as claimed in claim 1,wherein at least part of the primary seat is invertible to provideclearance for the secondary seat.
 10. The buggy as claimed in claim 1,wherein the secondary seat is smaller than the primary seat.
 11. Thebuggy as claimed in claim 1, wherein the secondary seat is pivotallysupported by the frame.
 12. The buggy as claimed in claim 1, wherein theprimary seat is convertible from a sitting configuration for supportinga toddler to a lying configuration for supporting a baby.
 13. The buggyas claimed in claim 1, wherein the secondary seat is positionedgenerally within the primary seat in the folded storage configuration.14. A buggy for transporting children, comprising: a frame comprising aprimary seat frame for supporting a primary seat; a plurality of wheelsthat are rotatably mounted relative to the frame to support the frameabout a ground surface and which enable the buggy to be moved along theground surface; a forward-facing primary seat having a seat portion anda back portion and operatively supported by the frame for supporting afirst child; a forward-facing secondary seat having a seat portion and aback portion and operatively supported by the frame for supporting asecond child, wherein the seat portion of the secondary seat ispositioned generally behind and generally lower than the seat portion ofthe primary seat; wherein the buggy is convertible between an in useconfiguration for transporting children and a folded storageconfiguration, without removing the secondary seat, and wherein theprimary seat at least partially nests over the secondary seat when inthe folded storage configuration; wherein the secondary seat ispivotally supported by the frame.
 15. A buggy for transporting children,comprising: a frame comprising a primary seat frame for supporting aprimary seat; a plurality of wheels that are rotatably mounted relativeto the frame to support the frame about a ground surface and whichenable the buggy to be moved along the ground surface; a forward-facingprimary seat having a seat portion and a back portion and operativelysupported by the frame for supporting a first child; a forward-facingsecondary seat having a seat portion and a back portion and operativelysupported by the frame for supporting a second child, wherein the seatportion of the secondary seat is positioned generally behind andgenerally lower than the seat portion of the primary seat; wherein thebuggy is convertible between an in use configuration for transportingchildren and a folded storage configuration, without removing thesecondary seat, and wherein the primary seat at least partially nestsover the secondary seat when in the folded storage configuration; andwherein the secondary seat is smaller than the primary seat.